One of the most common and substantial decorative aspects in Persian architecture is tilework.
There is a wide array of mosques, castles, mansions, churches, and halls, among others that have actually benefited from the proficiency over time.The glazed bricks that decorate the walls of Tchogha Zanbil, an ancient Elamite temple complex near Susa, in Khuzistan, among Persias earliest examples of this technique, date to the 13th century BC.The exact same approach was used throughout the Achaemenid era in the UNESCO-designated palaces of Susa and Persepolis, and a portion of it can be seen in two friezes called the Lions and Archers frieze.Evidence recommends that Persian tile work reached its complete potential during the Islamic duration, and artists began checking out different techniques and designs to elevate this art to its apogee.Until the fifth century AH, the buildings were embellished with murals, however given that the time of the Seljuk guideline, extensive use of tile has actually become widespread.Seljuk tiles remained in the type of stars or crosses, and the best example is the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad.
During this period, Kashan and Isfahan were among the most crucial centers of tile production in the ancient land.Here is a choice of historical structures embellished with remarkable tilework: Sheikh Lotfollah MosqueOne of the finest examples of tile in the Safavid era is Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, which took some 20 years to build.
The outside of the mosque, entrance, corridor, and dome is covered with mosaic tiles.
This gorgeous mosque, its tiles are thought about the conclusion of Iranian tile art, was not a public mosque in its time, but a personal prayer hall, with just the royal household and a group of Isfahan senior citizens could use it.The mosque was built by Shah Abbas the Great for one of the high-ranking clerics of the Safavid era, Sheikh Lotfollah Maysi al-Amili (d.
1622).
Due to the royal nature of the mosque, there is more boldness in applying colors.
Also, at a particular time of the day, the reflection of light on the tiles makes a pattern of the dome which looks like peacock plumes and tails.Imam MosqueThe unique tile design of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was reproduced on a bigger scale in Abbasi Mosque, known as the Shahs Mosque (now Imam Mosque).
Kashi-e Haftrang (Seven-colored tile) is made by putting together small square tiles and drawing a repeated pattern on them.
Although vibrant in color, its tiles are blue in their totality.
All the motifs utilized in its decorations and designs are quite abstract, indicating the celestial nature of the mosque and its spiritual nature.Moghadam MuseumLocated on Imam Khomeini St., downtown Tehran, Moghadam Museum has a fairly complete collection of various Iranian tile styles of different eras.The tiles, nevertheless, do not initially belong to this house but have actually been brought here by Dr.
Mohsen Moghaddam, the late owner of this home, from other buildings - especially the ruined Qajar-era palaces and mansions.Although most of the walls of the front-house museum are covered with vibrant tiles, the basement tiles are the most interesting because what is shown in this section consists of all kinds of Iranian tiles over a duration of 900 years (from the fourth to the thirteenth centuries AH).
Holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS)The domes of Imam Rezas Holy shrine are covered in very old blue tiles.
These tiles are some 900 years old and are thought about the very best in the Razavi shrine complex.
That part of the tile, which has eight-pointed shapes, is referred to as Sanjari tile and their installation go back to the Seljuk period.Also, the shine accepts ranges of octagonal tiles that bear both verses of the Holy Quran, and a very charming and recognized title inscription from the works of the Kharazmshahi period (outdated 612 AH).
Atiq Mosque IsfahanIsfahan Atiq Mosque includes a substantial collection of architectural designs and decors.
When it concerns tile arts, the two decks of the south and west of the mosque display some finest examples of complex tilework.
Both porches were integrated in the Seljuk period however were tiled in later periods (Ag Qiyyunloo and Safavid periods).
The south patio, called Sahen Ebn-e Ebad, is a complete work of art of tile art, and the eastern porch is famous for its beautiful designs.
A very elegant tile frame draws attention to the Kufic masonry line on the north wall of the patio.
Some say the Iranian art of tilework has actually always been a secret for tourists to discover.AFM